So I was just having a conversation with another Renegade owner on Instagram. He recently traded up to a Rubicon because of problems he was having with his build. He installed the Avid Essentials Rear Expedition Bumper with the tire carrier. Avid’s website lists the bumper at 190lbs. After having it installed for a year, even with Eibach springs, both rear struts died. The next mods I have planned are rock sliders and a rear bumper. I already have the Avid Essentials Expedition front bumper installed and was planning on getting the rear to match. Although 190lb plus the weight of a spare tire sounds very heavy. Does anyone have experience with this setup? Do you think that much weight in the rear would cause problems? I’m new to the forum and look forward to seeing what everyone thinks. Thank you.
I'm new too, so take my opinion for what it's worth. On my lifted Liberty, I used to kill a set of Bilstein shocks every year, no extra weight, some times you just get bad shocks or hit rough roads that blow them out. Switched to OME shocks and haven't had an issue since. 190 isn't too much, doesn't sound like a lot to me. Are multiple spring rates offered?
I went with the AVID front and rear bumpers and a 8k winch, Rocky Road sliders. AVID 2.5 plus the ATP coil springs and went with the Bilstein B6 struts. My 3573 pound Trailhawk now weights in at 4540 pounds and I don't have any suspension issues. IN FACT, the added weight makes for a really nice riding vehicle, on and off road with the setup I am using.
Don't be Jealous. I'm only using 4 psi of boost (for longevity/reliability purposes). lol Only 50-HP gain @ 4 psi. weg
I’ve been really fighting with myself over this. My Trailhawk came with everything, except a hitch. I’m concerned about weight and reduced gas mileage. Does anyone have information comparing the Avid rear bumper vs the Renegade Ready/Madness retrofit kit? I’m assuming the retrofit kit will be a lot lighter. In terms of install complexity, what’s the major differences. I know you have to use a template to cut the back bumper with the retrofit kit. Does the Avid bumper simply replace the back bumper and cover?
The AVID bumper is heavy duty, has the hitch built in, built-in shackle mounts and the option for a spare tire carrier. In the picture attached, there is a small piece on metal that has to be removed for the rear bumper to fit (I don't have a before pic of the metal that was removed). The AVID bumper replaces the bumper cover, and the original bumper that is under the cover, and the hitch IF you had one factory installed. You can see more of my build here.
Besides removing the piece of metal, is the Avid kit pretty much bolt on? Just remove the old bumper and cover? Also, has anyone figured out how to use the spare tire mount on the Avid kit, without blocking the backup camera?
There are a couple of items to look for when removing some of the parts that are not mentioned with the instructions. In the rear most lower corners panels, there are the proximity sensors for the blind spot monitors that will have to be unplugged to remove the panels. There is an impact sensor on the rear bumper that has to be relocated (impact sensor for the airbags). I relocated mine in the same area, but mounted it to the body instead of the bumper. No, the backup camera will have to be relocated. AVID did send me an extension cord for the camera so that the camera can be relocated. The camera is calibrated for the position where it comes from the factory. It is in focus and the grid lines are accurate. Once you relocate the camera, take into consideration that the grid lines are going to be off and angle of the camera is going to be different. It may not be as focused because of the new location (It will probably be closer to the ground then it was originally, so the focal point will be different). The license plate light will also need to be relocated. AVID does NOT proved a extension cord for the light, but does include the light. I do not light the license plate relocation mount that AVID provides with their kit. The license plate sticks out of the middle of the spare tire (I didn't like the way that looked), and the light harness would have to be made with a plug so that the license plate could be removed, before the spare tire can be used. I made my own harness and mounted my license plate on the left rear corner panel (being careful not to interfere with the operation of the proximity sensors for the blind spot monitor).
I went ahead and went with the Renegade Ready retrofit hitch. For the front I went with the Daystar winch mount (trailhawk version). Since I have to remove the front tow hooks for the winch setup, do you recommend any particular hooks to attach to the winch mount? I saw these. I've never heard of the brand though. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GJ7HYMY/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A22KOYMSDF6KFD
I was kind of going for looks and functionality. I really like the look of the red factory hooks on the front. It was the closest I could find.
If I could afford it... lol American Trail Products Billet D-Ring Shackles (they are manufactured from 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum, but I couldn't find a load rating posted) My fear is, somebody would want them more than I do... at $189.95 a pair (2). BUT WAIT!!! for only $49.98 more, you can get a set (2 (one pair)) of shackle locks (rated at 18,000 pounds).